Cristiano Ronaldo's 15th goal of the season helped Real Madrid labour to a 2-0 victory over Celta Vigo in the Spanish league before their midweek Champions League visit to Borussia Dortmund.

Ronaldo scored from the penalty spot in the 67th minute at the Bernabéu after Gonzalo Higuaín opened for the hosts in the 11th with a lofted shot from well outside the area that looped over Sergio Alvarez. Gustavo Cabral barged into the back of Mesut Ozil as the German streaked through the area to set up Ronaldo for his ninth La Liga goal of the season and his 15th overall.

Madrid struggled to string together attacks and looked like the complacent side who started the league so poorly until Higuaín floated a ball from the left that ended up in the far corner of the goal.

Celta Vigo were attempting to become the first team to win on three straight visits to the Bernabéu – their last trip was in 2006 – and were dangerous on the counterattack, with Iago Aspas and Enrique de Lucas forcing impressive saves from Iker Casillas. The goalkeeper denied the substitute Park Chu-young, on loan from Arsenal, by saving a point-blank header in the closing stages.

Madrid's defence looked composed, despite José Mourinho having to move Michael Essien to left-back and move Sergio Ramos to the right with Marcelo, Alvaro Arbeloa and Fábio Coentrão all missing due to injury.

"Perhaps we are a little surprised to be playing like this but the injuries have forced us to adapt," Ramos said. "Defensively, we played a serious game."